A raging fire in the San Gabriel Mountains has devastated Altadena and surrounding neighborhoods, but NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has managed to stay untouched. The Eaton fire has burned over 14,000 acres and is only 3% contained, with over 1,000 residents evacuated.
Firefighters have successfully kept the flames away from JPL, which is home to the Mars rovers and thousands of employees. However, the center’s staff is feeling the impact, with over 150 losing their homes and many more displaced. JPL Director Laurie Leshin has expressed her gratitude for the bravery of first responders.
“We are still in the process of assessing damage, but it is clear that our community has been significantly impacted,” she said. “We urge everyone to check on their loved ones and offer support to those who need it most.”
JPL has been closed since January 8, and will remain shuttered for another week due to the fire. The center’s staff will work remotely until at least January 17.
The situation is not unique to JPL, as multiple wildfires are raging in the L.A. area. However, JPL’s isolation from the flames has allowed it to maintain operations.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/nasas-jet-propulsion-lab-still-untouched-by-raging-la-fires